The Arizona Health Facilities Authority has approved three new grants under its Small Grant Program. The grants were made to two health professional education institutions and a non-profit serving north Phoenix.

The Yavapai College Foundation received $24,175 in support of the Yavapai College Nursing Program. Yavapai College's Nursing Program has graduated more than 1,500 nurses since its inception in 1969. Of these, more than 85% remain in Yavapai County working at regional hospitals and medical facilities in this rural county. The funds will be utilized to acquire an infant simulation manikin and a self directed, comprehensive learning system for IV insertion for premature infants to toddler aged pediatric patients. This new technology will allow the nursing students to learn within a realistic simulation setting and enhance their preparation for caring for the community's children.

A. T. Still University (ATSU) received $25,000 for the acquisition of new computer technology which will assist in the training of Physicians and Physician Assistants. ATSU operates the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, and the National Center for American Indian Health Professions. ATSU has graduated nearly 25% of the nation's American Physician Assistants; has the highest number of American Indian dental students; has on faculty the nation's first American Indian dentist; and has a significant American Indian medical student presence among its forty-five American Indian students. Several indigenous cultures hold beliefs about death and cadavers that present barriers to learning in a traditional anatomy lab. The grant funds will be utilized outfit a virtual learning laboratory designed to reduce barriers which result from the use of cadavers.

Desert Mission received $24,547 for a variety of capital equipment needs. The Desert Mission was established in 1927 to help vulnerable families in north Phoenix meet their basic needs. Through the Desert Mission, nurses, doctors and other volunteers ministered to the needs of these families by providing food, medical/dental care and education for the children. Desert Mission operates a community health center, a children's dental clinic, a food bank, a behavioral health clinic, a childcare program and an adult day health care center. Desert Mission serves more than 32,000 people in north Phoenix each year. Most are working poor families or elderly/disabled living on a fixed income. The grant funds will be utilized to acquire a variety of medical and dental equipment, install energy efficient lighting which will reduce utility costs, and improve safety and convenience features for clients.

The Authority is excited by the diversity of projects represented in these initial awards. Grants are available in three categories: capital equipment; technical assistance; and sponsorship of community health events and conferences. Additional information on the Small Grant Program is available under the grant programs section of this website or by contacting Blaine Bandi at (602) 375-2770.